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Thursday, February 28, 2013

This year, I took the dare--The Joy Dare.
I'm (attempting to) record three gifts each day, to accumulate one thousand gifts
during the year 2013.
It's a lovely challenge that encourages being present and aware of the
little things--the little blessings that God has placed before us, in
ordinary moments to enjoy. "Life is not an emergency," says Ann
Voskamp, author of "One Thousand Gifts." And I
know better than to live in a constant state of fret. There is too
much goodness and graciousness to let slip by without thankfulness.

A month ago, I organized a small book study of "One Thousand Gifts." Tonight was our first meeting, and it was amazing to hear each woman be moved by the disciplined, thankful mind-set that is eucharisteo--the practicing of regular thanks for the graciousness that God gives us.

I haven't come across a book that speaks to the aching, yearning, universal heart like this book has. And there isn't a page that goes by that doesn't deserve an underlining or two."I pay tribute to God by paying attention."

More gifts...

76. The imagination of my four and a half year old
77. Opening the door to a warm February day
78. The boy saying, "no bad words in this family," to even the slightest slip-up
79. Running on country roads
80. The boy bringing me a found, plastic, pink heart from outside
81. Cleaning to worship music
82. Days when the noise of the TV is minimal
83. When sick babies fall asleep soundly
84. Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Almond Bark
85. Checking on the kiddos before going to bed and finding my girl fast asleep with her eye mask on
86. Fresh roses in a vase
87. Top knots and makeup-free days
88. Small breaks when both kiddos are in school
89. Fresh, clean sheets
90. The scent of lavender
91. Asher saying, "Mom do you want to snuggle?" And then snuggling in for a nap.
92. Twinkling white lights
93. Rainbows on back country roads
94. Reading and eating chocolate in bed
95. Listening to the girl read to her brother
96. Nice, natural nails--long enough to paint pretty!
97. Encouraging words from a teammate--You are strong and you are fast...in a moment when I felt defeated. How freely we can give our words, and how much they mean to the receiver when given freely.
98. Bringing friends/family with me to check out the Crossfit gym and having them excited to join
99. Feeding hungry bellies and leaving them satisfied
100. The fact that I will write 900 more gifts by the end of this year
101. De-cluttering spaces
102. Quiet moments in the coffee shop with my book, journal and pen
103. Tears that explain so much
104.
My dog returning home on his own accord--not by way of the neighbor's
vehicle. I must insert that the last time he was returned, there were
at least two other dogs in the neighbor's vehicle that weren't the
neighbor's. He was just out doing a round of doggie drop-offs.
105. Friendly neighbors who return your mutt after swaying your dog with dog bones
106. My girl licking her finger to better turn her book page
107. Puppy dog stares
108. Songs and hands glorifying God
109. Words from Asher: "Mom, thanks for the super boost!"
110. Listening to my girl singing in the shower
111. Tree branch-lined skies
112. Hot chocolate cake with cold vanilla ice cream
113. When Husband returns home from a long day's work
114. Spontaneous walks in fresh air
115. Books that can be read and re-read over and over
116. Writing in books, and picking up old books and reading the underlined parts
117. Finding eucharisteo in the tiny moments, speckled with light
118. The rush of laughter and smiles that soaring swings bring
119. Pouring over inspired words with inspired women

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comments:

My recent gifts include being with you and your loving family (even though it was for only a very short time!), knowing that the kiddos are once again well and away from those awful 'flu bugs and seeing those beautiful chickens! Love you, Babe!

“You must write every single day of your life... You must lurk in libraries and climb the stacks like ladders to sniff books like perfumes and wear books like hats upon your crazy heads... may you be in love every day for the next 20,000 days. And out of that love, remake a world.” ― Ray Bradbury